5 Ways to Make a Great First Impression at A New Job

The first month at a new job is probably the most vital because it can set the tone for your overall time with an employer.

Thankfully, establishing your reputation with a new company isn’t rocket science. It just takes a bit of dedication and preparation as well as some awareness.

Consider the following tips if you’re looking to start off a new job soon.

Tip #1: Literally, do your homework

Prior to heading in the office for the first working day, you need to do your homework. Try to find out as much as you can around the company culture, your new role, how that role fits into the overall company strategy.

After your first day, you should still be putting in homework, as you’re likely going to be overwhelmed with new faces, surroundings, guidelines and procedures – all of which need to be learned.

Tip #2: Connect with managers and colleagues

As you meet the people at your new job, ask casual, conversational questions and try to interact with them on a personal level. It can help to prepare questions about people’s interests or what they do on weekends. While you should respond to questions about yourself, try to really learn who your new coworkers are as people, not just as people you must get along.

Don’t forget the importance of getting a firm handle on the company culture. Talk to people outside your department, set up lunches with them, determine how to make connections and learn the different personalities that make up the company.

Tip #3: Be dependable

Get to work early, stay a bit later and take short lunches for the first month or so. Showing the desire to put in more hours to learn the role, standard practices and current projects reveals dedication, which will allow you to build a reputation for dependability.

Also, pay attention to everyone’s regular schedule. If you’re turning up at 8:00 a.m., but most of the team doesn’t get in until 8:10 a.m., then you’re going against the grain and you might want to modify your routine.

That being said, during the first month, it’s better to come across as over-committed than as under-committed.

Tip #4: Contribute an appropriate amount

While you want to start contributing to projects and discussions right away, as a new employee, you don’t want to overstep your bounds. It’s best to ask questions, listen and then dip a toe in the water. If you contributions are well-received, incrementally ratchet up your input.

Tip #5 Build credibility

Exceed expectations when you’re taking care of your particular tasks and team projects so people find out they can count on you. Needless to say, don’t go to overboard with the effort, take on too much, or cover for staff members who aren’t pulling their weight. Just make solid and dependable contributions.